R Emily introduced Rod and Rhonda:
Rod and Rhonda came to Brighton 4 years ago from the Peterborough area. Rod spent most of his career with RBC as a commercial banker with the latter portion as an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities spending a total of 43 yrs with the RBC group of companies. He is a past President of the Peterborough -Kawartha Rotary Club.
Rhonda spent most of her career as an Investment Advisor/Discretionary Manager with RBC moving in the latter years to the management side as SVP of Credential Financial Inc responsible for National Sales, Research, Training, Product Development and Insurance. She has served on many boards and been involved in many charitable entities over the years. and is currently on the Board of HUGS in Brighton.
Just under 2 months ago a group of concerned Brightonians found each other via word of mouth and set out to discover how we could best help Ukrainians caught in the war with Russia. Helping Ukrainians Get Settled in Brighton (HUGS in Brighton) was formed.
HUGS is a grass roots organization. They are in the process of securing Charitable status.
They formed and organized via Zoom. Local residents with Big Hearts.
Presently one family of 5 arrived in Brighton and are working on finding work and English as a second language.
A second group has just arrived. A third is due June 2 and a forth is expected about June 19. There can be delays.
They are in the process of fundraising.
The people from Ukraine are refugees, displaced persons and can work for up to 3 years in Canada. They have OHIP. They can re-apply for additional 3 year term, up to 10 years. They will be able to apply for permanent status, but many wish to return home if possible.
About 200,000 have applied to come to Canada, with 30,000 to 40,000 arrived so far. The immigration process is lengthy, all about paper work on their end. Basic vetting by the government is being done.
They have to beware of scams.
The government is turning a lot of the work to Canadian residents. HUGS is relying on other larger organizations to vet the people before they come.
The family here now have to boys in school ages 6 and 11. A younger child age 3 will go to school in September.
Gift cards for groceries, gas, Walmart, or school supplies are needed.
The oldest boy is very good at soccer, was in league in Ukraine and will need transportation to tournaments here.
Dad is working part-time with a Ukraine computer company.
Big expense for new arrivals are medical expenses for blood work etc and a car.
HUGS has currently 10 drivers volunteering. Need criminal reference checks and if volunteering with children need the vulnerable sector check.
A list of needs:
Volunteers
Gas and grocery gift cards
School supplies for September
Soccer costs
Clothing stipend or gift cards
Cell phone repair $100
Summer camp fees
Good used car that seats 5
Immigration medicals
R Daniel thanked Rod and Rhonda.